strawberry pickin'

 This has so far been the summer of "Please don't kill you brother today!" No kidding. It will be a success if I just keep them all alive and not seriously injured this summer. We went off for some family fun a couple Saturdays ago. Mostly I just hoped their behavior would be better in public. Wrong. But it made for some cute pictures for the blog.

The evolution of a group photo. Parker was the photographer because he was not having any fun. I guess I shouldn't be too bummed about a 5 out of 6 success rate.

We went on to lunch at Crockett's, one of Guy Fieri's Diner's Drive-ins, and Dives. Stopped in a See's Candies for a treat and wrapped things up watching The Croods. (where Parker FINALLY started to have fun)
Sidenote: I had such ridiculously low expectations for that movie (it has Nic Cage in it) but I could not recommend it enough. It is funny and has a wonderful message about family.

Kaleb's Sky City Experience

This lil' nugget graduated from fifth grade.

Around here, graduating from elementary school is a big deal. So we did it up for our charming Kaleb the other night. A fancy dinner atop the Space Needle on one of the nicest days of the year. The food was delicious, the view was spectacular, and Kaleb was such a fun date. 

Congrats to you, our drama major in the making ;)

lost post: low tide at Alki Beach

  My parents were in town for Memorial Day weekend. Usually we just keep them locked up at home. Fixing stuff around the house and catering to our demanding children ;)

  This time we ventured out to the beach at low tide. We had promised this type of outing to Kaleb over two years ago... better late than never? Justin met us there and taught the boys how to skimboard.

  It's a sweet life when family and friends are ready and willing to jump in and engage the boys. Thanks guys for making memories!

what I'll remember

  These pics are Parker's first and last day of 7th grade. They really sum thing up for me. That first day you're all geeked out, new clothes, new gear. You will do ridiculous poses for your mom because you think it will be over sooner if you cooperate.

  Then there is the last day. When you woke up late, threw on the shirt at the top of the laundry pile and your mom only has the time/patience/sanity for one picture.

  But what I'll remember from Parker's seventh grade year is that it was the year he grew taller than his Mama.

*dramatic pause*

  I am a fairly tall woman at 5'9, so I thought I would have a wee bit longer. Looking him in the eye has been surreal. It really is true, you will always think of them as wee babes, never the hulking, moody teen that asks "What's for dinner, Mom?" (in an increasingly deeper voice!)

 Well done, Parker. On surviving what could be argued as the most awkward year of anyone's life. For your excellence in school, testing better than 11th graders. And continuing to be "a pleasure to have in class."

"don't tell your mother"

Happy Father's Day, Matt! You make really beautiful babies and you are handy with a firearm for the teenage years- did I score or what??

return to joy

Years ago a saw a counselor that taught me about "return to joy." This is a quote I found on a website that summed it up pretty well; "Returning to joy means finding a resolution to the distress we feel when our “personally important” people are not happy to be with us. Strangely enough, this requires someone to share our distress with us and achieve a “mutual mind” state with our control center...When someone cares enough about us to share our distressing feelings and still be with us we no longer feel alone. Our brain starts to run smoothly again and we start learning helpful ways to stay in relationships when we are upset or others are upset with us." 

Collin is the human embodiment of this concept. He has the most amazing thirst for life and radiating joy. He also drives everyone nuts ;) He reboots every morning with fresh grace for himself and others. It has been so soothing for my weary people-pleasing cynical soul. So blessed by this kid!

par-tay

Lazy blogging going on over here. The pictures above are from Collin's birthday in the spring. I just smooshed them up against a fun little sleepover we had for Aden this weekend. 

Parties have evolved into something new around here. I used to go all out, themes and decorations and spent a lot of money. Now I set the table with cute napkins and some baby carrots. (Trying to make up for all that sugar somehow.) It is low key, and much more fun. The boys focus on flag football or Nerf wars with their friends, we didn't even do a cake for either party. 

Never short on celebration with all these kids in my life.